Good morning from Newmarket. Following on from Red Verdon’s excellent victory at Doncaster yesterday, we go to Chelmsford with two runners this afternoon.
In the 4.10, a three-year-old 0-80 over a mile, Maqaadeer has his first spin in handicap company from a mark of 72. Although only six go to post, it is a select line up and we have several tough-looking rivals.
Andrew Balding’s I’m Available and Mark Johnston’s Mustadun stand out amongst our competition, and we will probably need a little up our sleeve to win. Whether we do so remains to be seen, but our horse made an encouraging return in a Lingfield novice last month and has done very well from two to three. There is just a chance that he might want a furlong or two further in time and a stiffer track, but this looks the right spot for him just now. I am aware this is a hot little contest, but I hope he will be competitive. Ben Curtis rides.
In the mile and a quarter three-year-old handicap at 4.45 we run Toro Dorado, a talented but mercurial son of Toronado. He was allotted an initial rating of 65 as a two-year-old, but then proved a little wayward on his handicap debut at this track back in October. On his next appearance at Kempton he gave us an idea of what talent he has when finishing a fine second, though he disappointed again at the same venue shortly after.
His last two runs were in blinkers, though we have switched to cheek-pieces today. It may be that he needs further in time, and we haven’t ruled out going back to blinkers again in the future, whilst today’s race looks particularly warm. As such we are on something of a fact finding mission, but hopefully we will learn plenty and can be directed for the rest of the season. David Probert has ridden him previously and retains the mount.
Best wishes,
Ed.